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It’s said that a pregnancy is a blessing, and that couldn’t be more on point for Kali Uchis, who scores her first No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart with Orquídeas, as the new album debuts atop the list dated Jan. 27. The set’s roaring start arrives after the Colombian artist announced she was expecting her first child with Don Toliver in the music video for “Tu Corazón Es Mío” on Jan. 11.
“Very grateful to have the opportunity to keep growing every release and very grateful to my community,” Uchis tells Billboard.
Orquídeas, Uchis’ second Spanish-language album, was released Jan. 12 via Geffen/IGA, the first day of the tracking week ending Jan. 18. According to Luminate, the 14-track set starts with 69,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. – her biggest week ever.
Of Orquídeas’ first-week sum, streaming activity delivers 39,000 units, a figure equating to 51 million official on-demand streams of the album’s tracks – her largest streaming week ever for an album. Traditional album sales contribute 31,000 (her largest sales week yet), while the remaining balance stems from a negligible amount of track-equivalent album units. On Top Latin Albums, one unit equals to one album sale, 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams for a song on the album.
With Orquídeas’ No. 1 entrance, Uchis bests her only career and first top 10 entry on Top Latin Albums: Sin Miedo (Del Amoy y Otros Demonios), her first Spanish-language full-lenghth, peaked at No. 3 in March 2021. The set delivered the eight-week champ “Telepatía” on Hot Latin Songs and her highest-ranking entry on the overall Billboard Hot 100 (No. 25 high).
Orquídeas concurrently gifts Uchis her second No. 1 entry on Latin Pop Albums, after Sin Miedo ruled for 11 weeks between March 2021 and July 2022. In total her first all-Spanish album has held in the top 10 for 165 weeks since its debut, encompassing the entire stay on the chart.
Elsewhere, Orquídeas begins at No. 2 on the all-genre Billboard 200, Uchis’ best performance there, following Red Moon in Venus (No. 4 high, March 2023), and an equal No. 1 debut on Top Albums Sales and Vinyl Albums. On the latter, it becomes the first Spanish-language album by a woman to debut atop the ranking. Bad Bunny is the only other act to debut at No. 1 with a Spanish-language album.
Orquídeas also spawns 12 debuts on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs chart including the No. 1 start of “Igual Que Un Ángel,” with Peso Pluma. “I honestly wasn’t expecting that! Uchis adds. “I wrote and recorded the song a while ago and was shocked and excited that Peso wanted to jump on that one in particular because I love encouraging artists to step out of their comfort zone when creating.”
With those new debuts, “Labios Mordidos,” with Karol G, rising from No. 36 to No. 14, and the re-entry of “Muñekita,” with El Alfa and JT, at No. 36, the complete album takes over the chart which blends airplay, streaming data, and digital sales.
About which song Uchis relates with the most, she adds: “I deeply relate to all of them because I write all my own music, but I would say my favorite song is probably “¿Cómo Así?” because I feel it’s the most unique.”
Thanks to the new album and standout cuts, Uchis returns to the Billboard Artist 100 chart at No. 2, surpassing her No. 6 position in March 2023. The list measures artist activity across key metrics of music consumption, blending album and track sales, radio airplay and streaming to provide a weekly multi-dimensional ranking of artist popularity.
For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on Billboard’s social accounts, and all charts (dated Jan. 27) will refresh on Billboard.com on Tuesday (Jan. 23).
The 2024 Premio Lo Nuestro nominations have been unveiled, and Maluma leads the pack with 14 nods. He’s followed by Peso Pluma (13), Grupo Frontera (10) and, with nine each, Karol G and Feid.
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All artists are up for the coveted Premio Lo Nuestro artist of the year prize alongside the other top nominees: Bad Bunny, Camilo, Carin León, Ozuna and Shakira.
With this year’s theme being “El Poder de Lo Nuestro” (the power of ours), the fan-voted awards recognize 180 artists across 38 categories, including tropical, urban, pop and música Mexicana.
The nominees are selected through a partnership with Uforia, which takes into account airtime on Univision Radio and information related to digital streaming, as well as evaluations from the Television Committee composed of music and industry experts.
Co-hosted by Galilea Montijo, Clarissa Moline, and Angélica Vale, the 2024 Premio Lo Nuestro will air live from Miami, Fla. at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 22 via Univision.
Fans can vote for their favorite artists from today (Jan. 22) until Feb. 4 on www.premiolonuestro.com. See the complete list of nominees below:
Premio Lo Nuestro Artist of the Year
Bad BunnyCamiloCarin LeónFeidGrupo FronteraKarol GMalumaOzunaPeso PlumaShakira
Song of the Year
“Ambulancia” – Camilo & Camila Cabello“Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” – Bizarrap & Shakira“Despechá” – Rosalía“Ella Baila Sola” – Eslabon Armado & Peso Pluma“Lala” – Myke Towers“Me Enrd” – Prince Royce“Nunca Y Pico” – Yandel, Maluma & Eladio Carrión“Sé Que Estás Con Él” – Silvestre Dangond, Reik & Boza“Un X100to” – Grupo Frontera & Bad Bunny“¿Y Qué Tal Si Funciona?” – Yuridia & Banda Ms De Sergio Lizárraga
Album of the Year
Colmillo De Leche – Carin LeónDon Juan – MalumaEl Comienzo – Grupo FronteraEscalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así – Carlos VivesFeliz Cumpleaños Ferxxo Te Pirateamos El Álbum – FeidFórmula, Vol. 3 – Romeo SantosGénesis – Peso PlumaHaashtag – Ha*AshMañana Será Bonito – Karol GPlaya Saturno – Rauw Alejandro
Remix of the Year
“La Bebe Remix” – Yng Lvcas & Peso Pluma“Podemos Repetirlo Remix” – Don Omar, Chencho Corleone & Anuel AA“Polaris Remix” – Saiko, Quevedo, Feid & Mora“Quédate” – Tiësto Remix – Bizarrap & Tiësto“Una Noche En Medellín Remix” – Karol G, Cris Mj & Ryan Castro
New Artist Male
BeéleChristian AliceaDei VMichelle MacielMilo JOmar CourtzPeso PlumaRels BSaikoYng Lvcas
New Artist FemaleGaleJ NoaJoaquinaKenia OsLa JoaquiLudmillaPaoPaoSnow Tha Product
Mexican Music – New Artist Group or Duo
Conexión DivinaEslabon ArmadoFuerza RegidaGrupo FronteraLos EsquivelMarca MP
“Crossover” Collaboration of the Year
“Bailar Contigo” – Black Eyed Peas & Daddy Yankee“Dientes” – J Balvin, Usher & Dj Khaled“El Vibe” – Farina & Sean Paul“Jumpin” – Pitbull & Lil Jon“Let’s Get Crazy! (Mambo Drop)” – Don Omar & Lil Jon“Ojalá” – The Rudeboyz, Maluma & Adam Levine“Somos Iguales” – Ozuna, Tokischa, Louchie Lou & Michie One“The Reason (Latin Version)” – Jonathan Moly & Hoobastank
The Perfect Mix of the Year
“Alaska” – Camilo & Grupo Firme“Amor Clandestino” – Maná & Eden Muñoz“Chanel” – Becky G & Peso Pluma“Como El Viento” – Luis R Conriquez & Nicky Jam“El Amor De Mi Vida” – Los Ángeles Azules & Maria Becerra“El Pañuelo” – Romeo Santos & Rosalía“La Siguiente” – Kany García & Christian Nodal“Peso Pluma: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 55” – Bizarrap & Peso Pluma“Según Quién” – Maluma & Carin León“Un X100to” – Grupo Frontera & Bad Bunny
Tour of the Year
Fórmula Vol.3 Tour – Romeo SantosLuis Miguel Tour 2023 – Luis MiguelMañana Será Bonito Tour – Karol GSaturno World Tour – Rauw AlejandroSoy Rebelde Tour – Rbd
Urban – Male Artist Of The Year
ArcángelBad BunnyDaddy YankeeEladio CarriónFeidMyke TowersOzunaRauw AlejandroRyan CastroYandel
Urban – Female Artist Of The Year
AnittaBecky GChescaKarol GMaria BecerraNatti NatashaNicki NicolePaopaoVillano AntillanoYoung Miko
Urban – Song of the Year
“Besos Moja2” – Wisin Y Yandel & Rosalía“Classy 101” – Feid & Young Miko“Instagram” – Blessd“Lala” – Myke Towers“Mas Rica Que Ayer” – Anuel AA, Mambo Kingz & Dj Luian“Necesidad” – Venesti“Panties Y Brasieres” – Rauw Alejandro & Daddy Yankee“Un Cigarrillo” – Chencho Corleone“Where She Goes” – Bad Bunny“Yandel 150” – Yandel & Feid
Urban – Collaboration of the Year
“Gatúbela” – Karol G & Maldy“Hey Mor” – Ozuna & Feid“La Bebe Remix” – Yng Lvcas & Peso Pluma“La Jumpa” – Arcángel & Bad Bunny“Lokera” – Rauw Alejandro, Lyanno & Brray“Mi Exxx” – Wisin & Anuel AA“Nunca Y Pico” – Yandel, Maluma & Eladio Carrión“Podemos Repetirlo” – Don Omar & Chencho Corleone“Te Kiero Ver” – Paopao & Jay Wheeler“Ulala” – Myke Towers & Daddy Yankee
Urban – Album Of The Year
3MEN2 KBRN – Eladio CarriónFeliz Cumpleaños Ferxxo Te Pirateamos El Álbum – FeidLa Nena De Argentina – Maria BecerraLa Sustancia X – Villano AntillanoLa Vida Es Una – Myke TowersLLNM2 – Anuel AAMañana Será Bonito – Karol GOzutochi – OzunaPlaya Saturno – Rauw AlejandroResistencia – Yandel
Pop – Male Artist of the Year
CamiloCarlos RiveraLassoLuis FonsiMalumaManuel MedranoManuel TurizoPedro CapóRicky MartinSebastián Yatra
Pop – Female Artist of the Year
AitanaEmiliaGloria TreviKany GarcíaKenia OsLaura PausiniRosalíaShakiraThaliaTini
Pop – Group or Duo of the Year
CamilaHa*AshPiso 21RBDReik
Pop – Song of the Year
“A Mi Lado” – Reik & Rusherking“Coco Loco” – Maluma“Como Tú Y Yo” – Chayanne“Fugitivos” – Camila“La Falta Que Me Haces” – Natti Natasha“La Última Canción” – CNCO“Mi Salida Contigo” – Ha*Ash & Kenia Os“Sincerándome” – Carlos Rivera“Una Noche Sin Pensar” – Sebastián Yatra“Volver A Casa” – Pedro Capó
Pop/Ballad – Song of the Year
“Hey” – Ana Isabelle“Te Acuerdas” – Ha*Ash & Reik“Tu Salida “- Christian Daniel“Un Buen Inicio” – Laura Pausini“Yo No Fumo” – Ricardo Montaner & Carlos Rivera
Pop/Urban – Album of the Year
2000 – Manuel TurizoCupido – TiniDesgenerados Mixtape – Mau Y RickyDon Juan – MalumaEva – LassoHaashtag – Ha*AshLa Neta – Pedro CapóMi Soundtrack Vol.1 – Gloria TreviSincerándome – Carlos RiveraThalia’s Mixtape – Thalia
Pop-Urban – Collaboration Of The Year
“Berlin” – Zion & Lennox & Maria Becerra“Beso” – Rosalía & Rauw Alejandro“Easy” – Chesca & Dalex“Esta Vida” – Marshmello & Farruko“La Loto” – Tini, Becky G & Anitta“Los Cachos” – Piso 21 & Manuel Turizo“Sé Que Estás Con Él” – Silvestre Dangond, Reik & Boza“Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” – Bizarrap & Shakira“Tu Recuerdo” – Wisin, Emilia, & Lyanno“Vagabundo” – Sebastián Yatra, Manuel Turizo & Beéle
Pop-Urban – Song of the Year
“5 Estrellas” – Reik & Sech“Columbia” – Quevedo“Éxtasis” – Manuel Turizo & Maria Becerra“Junio” – Maluma“Niña Bonita” – Feid & Sean Paul“No_se_ve.Mp3” – Emilia, Ludmilla & Zecca“Pasa_je_ro” – Farruko“To’ Esto Es Tuyo” – Natti Natasha“TQG” – Karol G & Shakira“Tucu” – Ozuna & Amarion
Pop-Urban/Dance – Song of the Year
“Berlin” – Zion & Lennox & Maria Becerra“Café Con Leche” – Pitbull“Celular” – Nicky Jam, Maluma & The Chainsmokers“Esta Vida” – Marshmello & Farruko“Let’s Get Crazy! (Mambo Drop)” – Don Omar & Lil Jon“Tá Ok Remix” – Dennis, Mc Kevin O Chris, Maluma & Karol G
Tropical – Artist of the Year
Aymée NuviolaCarlos VivesJuan Luis GuerraLuis FigueroaMarc AnthonyOlga TañónPrince RoyceRomeo SantosSilvestre DangondVíctor Manuelle
Tropical – Song of the Year
“Bailando Bachata” – Chayanne“Decidí Tener Pantalones” – Víctor Manuelle“Me Enrd” – Prince Royce“Solo Conmigo” – Romeo Santos“Vienes” – Luis Figueroa“Yo Le Mentí” – Marc Anthony
Tropical – Collaboration of the Year
“Ambulancia” – Camilo & Camila Cabello“El Merengue” – Marshmello & Manuel Turizo“El Pañuelo” – Romeo Santos & Rosalía“La Fórmula” – Maluma & Marc Anthony“Las Mujeres” – Carlos Vives & Juanes“Si Tú Me Quieres” – Fonseca & Juan Luis Guerral
Tropical – Album of the Year
Bachata En Vivo, Vol. 2 – Elvis MartinezCanciones Del Corazón – Olga TañónCatarsis – Daniela DarcourtEl Swing Del Gran Combo – El Gran Combo De Puerto RicoEscalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así – Carlos VivesFórmula, Vol. 3 – Romeo SantosIntruso – Silvestre DangondMetamorfosis – Jonathan MolyVoy A Ti – Luis FigueroaYo – Christian Alicea
Mexican Music – Male Artist of the Year
Alejandro FernándezAlfredo OlivasCarin LeónChristian NodalEden MuñozJunior HLenin RamírezLuis R ConriquezPepe AguilarPeso Pluma
Mexican Music – Female Artist of the Year
Ana BárbaraÁngela AguilarChiquisMajo AguilarYuridia
Mexican Music – Song of the Year
“Alaska” – Camilo & Grupo Firme“Ella Baila Sola” – Eslabon Armado & Peso Pluma“Eres Ese Algo” – La Maquinaria Norteña“Indispensable” – Carin León“Inexperto En Olvidarte” – Alejandro Fernández“Ni Con Labios Prestados” – Alfredo Olivas“No Se Va (En Vivo)” – Grupo Frontera“Tú Y Tú” – Los Ángeles Azules, Cazzu & Santa Fe Klan“Un Cumbión Dolido” – Christian Nodal“¿Y Qué Tal Si Funciona?” – Yuridia & Banda Ms De Sergio Lizárraga
Mexican Music – Collaboration of the Year
“Alaska” – Camilo & Grupo Firme“Bebe Dame” – Fuerza Regida & Grupo Frontera“Ella Baila Sola” – Eslabon Armado & Peso Pluma“La Patrona” – Edwin Luna Y La Trakalosa De Monterrey & Leandro Ríos“No Me Hablen De Amor” – Pepe Aguilar & Intocable“Qué Agonía” – Yuridia & Ángela Aguilar“Se Acabó (En Vivo)” – Lenin Ramírez, Fuerza Regida & Banda Renovación“Según Quién” – Maluma & Carin León“Si Ya Hiciste El Mal” – Luis R Conriquez & Jessi Uribe“Solo Que Lo Dudes” – Banda Ms De Sergio Lizárraga & Yahritza Y Su Esencia
Mexican Music – Group or Duo of the Year
Banda Los RecoditosBanda Ms De Sergio LizárragaCalibre 50Eslabon ArmadoFuerza RegidaGrupo FirmeGrupo FronteraIntocableLa Maquinaria NorteñaLos Ángeles Azules
Banda Song Of The Year
“Al Ver Que Te Vas” – Banda El Recodo“Amor Pasajero” – Los Plebes Del Rancho De Ariel Camacho“Calidad” – Grupo Firme & Luis Mexia“Fuerte No Soy” – Banda Los Recodito“La Patrona” – Edwin Luna Y La Trakalosa De Monterrey & Leandro Ríos“Se Acabó (En Vivo)” – Lenin Ramírez, Fuerza Regida & Banda Renovación“Se Manda Sola” – La Adictiva“Si Ya Hiciste El Mal” – Luis R Conriquez & Jessi Uribe“Soldado Caído” – El Fantasma“¿Y Qué Tal Si Funciona?” – Yuridia & Banda Ms De Sergio Lizárraga
Mariachi/Ranchera Song of the Year
“Canción Para Olvidarte” – Majo Aguilar“Difícil Tu Caso” – Alejandro Fernández“La Jugada” – Ana Bárbara & Vicente Fernández“No Puedo No Caer” – Leonardo Aguilar“Qué Agonía” – Yuridia & Ángela Aguilar“Sólo Muere Si Se Olvida” – Adriel Favela & Kurt“Un Cumbión Dolido” – Christian Nodal
Norteño Song of the Year
“Beses A Quien Beses” – La Fiera De Ojinaga“Cuéntame” – Los Rieleros Del Norte“Dirección Equivocada” – Calibre 50“Eres Ese Algo” – La Maquinaria Norteña 5. Indispensable – Carin León“Ni Con Labios Prestados” – Alfredo Olivas“Ni Volviendo A Nacer” – Eden Muñoz“No Me Hablen De Amor” – Pepe Aguilar & Intocable“Que Te Vaya Bien” – Julión Álvarez Y Su Norteño Banda“Se Me Soltó El Hocico” – Los Dos Carnales
Mexican Music Fusion of the Year
“Cambio De Canción” – Conexión Divina“Ella Baila Sola “- Eslabon Armado & Peso Pluma“Fin De Semana” – Oscar Maydon & Junior H“Frágil” – Yahritza Y Su Esencia & Grupo Frontera“Mírate Nomás” – Ulices Chaidez
Mexican Music – Album of the Year
Bordado A Mano – Ana BárbaraColmillo De Leche – Carin LeónConsejos Gratis – Eden MuñozCumbia Del Corazón – Los Ángeles AzulesDesvelado – Eslabon ArmadoEl Comienzo – Grupo FronteraForajido EP2 – Christian NodalGénesis – Peso PlumaPa Que Hablen – Fuerza RegidaPa’ Luego Es Tarde – Yuridia
This week, our New Music Latin roundup — a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — is powered by new music from Luis Fonsi, Prince Royce and Eladio Carrión, who dropped an ultra-personal album.
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Carrión’s sixth studio album, Sol María, is a heartfelt ode to his mother of the same name, but also to his family values and making his parents proud. The 17-track set includes collaborations with Yandel, Rauw Alejandro, Arcangel, Milo J and many more, and navigates a range of genres from Afrobeats to Jersey Club, all while keeping his trap and reggaeton essence intact.
As he prepares to release his forthcoming studio album in February, Prince Royce surprised fans with the track “Cosas de la Peda” in collaboration with Mexican newcomer Gabito Ballesteros. The heartbreak song, which fuses bachata with música mexicana, is backed by melancholic lyrics about drowning your sorrows in alcohol after a bad breakup.
Meanwhile, Luis Fonsi presents “Santiago,” the third preview of his next album El Viaje, which is inspired by Latin American cities. Co-written by Fonsi, Mauricio Rengifo, Andrés Torres and Keityn, “‘Santiago’ talks about when in a relationship you feel an obvious disconnection — when they live at opposite poles, but do not dare to accept reality,” he explained in a press statement.
Other new releases include Ana Tijoux’s “Millonaria,” marking her comeback after a 10-year hiatus, Kenia Os’ “Bobo,” and Lunay, Rusherking and Boza’s “Hora y Lugar,” produced by Revol.
Last week, Omar Courtz’s “Una Noti” won the reader poll with more than 29 percent of the votes, closely followed by DannyLux’s “Un Día Entenderás.”
What’s your favorite new Latin music release of this week? Vote below!
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
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Eladio Carrion, Sol María (Rimas Entertainment)
Puerto Rican trap star Eladio Carrión exhibits a newfound depth and versatility on his sixth studio album, Sol María. This heartfelt ode to his mother not only lends an intimate touch to his evolving sound, but also displays his family values and his journey of making his parents proud, all while retaining his distinctive no-holds-barred flow and swagger.
The album opens with “Bendecido,” a commanding trap ballad that sets the tone with its focus on familial devotion and resilience. On “Sonrisa,” Carrión shines, weaving a narrative about a captivating smile that leaves him utterly smitten, set against an invigorating mix of Jersey club and dembow. “Sigo Enamorau’,” featuring Yandel, reinvents Sean Paul and Sasha’s “dutty rock” classic “I’m Still In Love With You,” while playfully celebrating his admiration for his lover’s assets. He turns up the vibe on “Todo Lit,” merging raucous lyrics with sinister keys atop a subdued trap beat alongside featured guest Duki. Carrión ventures into a sultry R&B terrain with “Hey Lil Mama,” a Rauw Alejandro collab that strikes a balance between sensuality and sweltering beats.
The album culminates with the gut-wrenching outro ballad “Mama’s Boy,” featuring Nach, where Carrión delves into a well of raw, candid emotion, paying homage to his mother in a way that transcends mere words. “Sol María, hoy te doy tus flores,” he croons with honesty and vulnerability, coupled with poignant lyricism.
Throughout Sol María, Carrión seamlessly navigates a range of genres — from Afrobeats to dancehall to Jersey club — without compromising his trap and reggaetón roots. In summary, it’s a testament to Eladio Carrión’s growth as an artist. It respects his origins while pushing creative boundaries, demonstrating his commitment to his craft and the values that shape his music. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Prince Royce, “Cosas de la Peda” ft. Gabito Ballesteros (Sony Music Latin)
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Prince Royce has found a way to flawlessly fuse bachata with música mexicana in “Cosas de la Peda,” featuring emerging regional Mexican artist Gabito Ballesteros. The heartbreak song starts off with a wailing trombone that sets the tone for the melancholic lyrics about drowning your sorrows in alcohol after a bad breakup. “Cosas” is an ideal balance of bachata’s hip-swiveling beats and regional Mexican’s signature instruments, such as the requinto, tololoche and trombone (mainly used in corridos tumbados). While it’s not the first time Prince Royce has teamed up with a regional Mexican artist — in 2017 he collaborated with Gerardo Ortiz on the all bachata song “Moneda” — it is the first time he’s merged the two genres, and the end result is chef’s kiss. — GRISELDA FLORES
Luis Fonsi, “Santiago” (Universal Music Latino)
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Continuing with the theme of songs inspired by Latin American cities, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Luis Fonsi continues his journey with the single “Santiago”, the third preview of his upcoming album El Viaje. Written by Fonsi, Mauricio Rengifo, Andrés Torres and Keityn and augmented with string arrangements, the heartfelt ballad tells of a couple seeing that the good times in a relationship are in the past and deciding to take different paths. “’Santiago’ talks about when in a relationship you feel an obvious disconnection — when they live at opposite poles, but do not dare to accept reality,” the singer-songwriter expresses about the release. The song’s video featuers a montage of destruction that deepens the song’s message. — LUISA CALLE
Rusherking & Flor Alvarez, “Con Vos” (Fifty One)
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As Billboard editors predicted, a new generation of artists is keeping cumbia music alive in 2024. “Con Vos,” a collaboration between Argentine artist Rusherking and newcomer Flor Alvarez (one of Billboard’s On the Radar Latin artists) is a testament to that. The feel-good track, produced by Emanero, is backed by traditional cumbia villera melodies and undertones of urban beats. “With you, I spent the best days of my life, let’s go back to that/ The same look, the same desire to give you a kiss/ I don’t know if you remember, we were happy with little money/ And now that I’m doing better, I want to get back with you,” says the sweet chorus. A known urban act, Rusher has previously flirted with other genres, such as bachata and now cumbia. For Flor, on the other hand, this is the genre that is making her a local household name (she gained virality on TikTok thanks to singing cumbia covers in the streets and trains of Argentina). — JESSICA ROIZ
Jacob Collier feat. Camilo, “Mi Corazón” (Hajanga Records)
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English singer and songwriter Jacob Collier teams up with Colombian star Camilo in this sweet, upbeat bilingual pop song about the concept of love evolving over time. Written by the two artists over an in-person jam session in Los Angeles, after having met in Japan, “Mi Corazón” alternates between soft, tender verses and a vigorous chorus that will make your head bop: “My heart/ Mi corazón, mi corazón/ My heart/ Tú siempre vas a estar en mi corazón.” The music video, directed by Ben Proulx, is as joyful and powerful as the track, with wholesome images of children playing in different scenes.
“Camilo is without doubt one of my favorite humans and musical forces on the planet,” Collier said in a press release. “I am overjoyed this song is in the world!” Camilo added: “Collaborating with such a musical genius can be intimidating, but I can honestly say that working with him on ‘Mi Corazón’ was one of the most enlightening, creative, and personal experiences I’ve ever had.” The song is the latest single from Collier’s forthcoming album Djesse Vol. 4, to be released on Feb. 29. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Damian, “Me Enamoro” (WOW! Oficina de Artistas)
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Colombian singer-songwriter Damian released his latest single, “Me Enamoro,” which is the perfect love letter. Fusing vallenato, sweet Latin pop, and refreshing tropical sounds, Damian’s soft and endearing vocals describe that true, genuine love that can’t be compared and that is felt from the soul. “Me Enamoro” was penned, arranged, and produced by Damian and multi-Latin Grammy Award-winner Luis Ortega. The accompanying video was directed by Harlyn Camargo and produced by Harlyn Go Inc., and filmed between the Spanish cities of Madrid and Seville. — INGRID FAJARDO
Check out Billboard‘s New Music Latin weekly playlist below:
Nuria Andreu has joined GTS and is appointed manager of Spanish singer-songwriter Aitana, Billboard can report. In her new role, as part of the GTS (Global Talent Services) team in Spain, she will be exclusively dedicated to the growth and further development of Aitana’s career, which was previously managed by Olga Palma at GTS.
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Based in Madrid, Andreu will report directly to Narcís Rebollo, president, Universal Music Iberian Peninsula.
After beginning her career in the pharmaceutical sector with experience in other fields, such as communications and strategy, Andreu founded her own marketing and production agency in 2018. In 2020, she joined Sony Music Spain as head of communications and PR and, in 2023, was appointed communication director of Rosalía’s company, Motomami S.L. Before joining Universal, she was Rosalía’s personal manager.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join a company like GTS and the project of an artist with Aitana’s talent and strength,” Andreu said in a statement. “Wishing to contribute and continue adding success hand in hand with the magnificent team that She already has.”
Aitana, who signed with GTS in 2018, added, “looking forward and excited to start a new stage in my career and my artistic development [and] continue growing little by little and learning about music together.”
With more than 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify, the 24-year-old artist wrapped her Alpha Tour in 2023 with a sold-out show at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, which sold all tickets in a record-breaking 72 hours, becoming the first Spanish artist to do so.
“I am certain that with her experience and skills, Nuria’s incorporation to GTS will be key to Aitana’s continued success, boosting her unstoppable career development and consolidating the GTS strategy of growth and service to our artists, as a leading company in the sector,” expressed Rebollo.
After a decadelong hiatus since her Grammy-nominated Vengo, Ana Tijoux — synonymous with the trailblazing spirit of Latin American hip-hop — returns with Vida, her fifth solo album.
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The 15-track LP stems from a period of intense personal experiences for the legendary Chilean rapper, particularly shaped by the dual forces of loss and motherhood. It’s a profound statement on existence and a celebration of life’s ebbs and flows.
Her introspection in Vida is encapsulated in tracks like “Millonaria,” where she juxtaposes the metaphorical richness of personal relationships against material wealth; the Afrobeats of “Bailando Sola Aquí,” about the importance of returning to the center of oneself; or “Busco Mi Mombre,” which explores identity, memory and resilience — verses like “Rompieron la puerta sin aviso, te arranaron de mí sin permiso” (“They broke the door without warning, tore you away from me without permission”) hint at a personal and collective grief over those unjustly taken.
“Vida is a response, unfortunately, to many people who passed away, people very close to me. It’s also a response to what happened with those departures,” the artist tells Billboard Español.
Motherhood, a recurring influence in Tijoux’s life and art, continues to shape her perspective. In the years between Vengo and Vida, it has influenced her worldview, infusing her music with a nuanced understanding of life’s complexities. This evolution is evident in the way she approaches her craft, learning to navigate emotional landscapes with a renewed sense of gratitude and self-compassion.
From her beginnings with rap group Makiza in the ’90s to her solo success with hits like “1977”, Tijoux has always forged her own path. Vida continues this tradition: it is a tale of resistance, revolution and the unwavering spirit of an artist who continues to redefine the contours of Latin hip-hop. “I think the most beautiful thing is that there are no pioneers here, there is an existing fabric and we build together,” adds Tijoux. “It’s not false humility, the world of hip-hop and rap is community. Therein lies its strength and its construction on its axis, and that makes all the beauty of this genre”.
The wordsmith talks to Billboard Español from Barcelona about her comeback.
Vida is your first album in ten years, what motivated you to go back to the studio?
After a decade, between life and motherhood, an avalanche of things happened. Vida is a response, unfortunately, to many people who passed away, people very close to me. It is also a response to what happened with those departures that sometimes are very hard. I don’t know why humans sometimes need those things that move us to create, or in this case to write or make songs.
Unfortunately, sometimes tragedies inspire that creative side of us to release. “Millionaire,” for example, is joyful and brims with metaphors.
“Millionaire” justly is a way of thanking my family and the people I appreciate, which have been many links woven through the years. They make me feel that I am a very lucky person. Understanding that we live in a very crazy time, of asking “what do you want to have to be lucky?” I feel full of jewels of people around me. That’s why the irony is carats, using this metaphor of bling. It’s ironic but grateful, to pay homage to all those people who for me are more than people — people who mark me and build me and allow me to walk.
You are the mother of two children. How has motherhood influenced your artistic career?
In every sense. Everyone lives motherhood in a very different way. I don’t think there is one way to live it. There’s also a side where you are faced with a lot of fears, trying to do the best you can, with a million mistakes. And within these mistakes, I believe that dialogue with one’s children is also very important. With this career, which is very beautiful but also very demanding, trying to deal with the labor demands, which in the end is a profession. Raising and trying to give tools to help one’s children, I believe that there is an influence in everything that one is. It is evident that this marks and sets the tone of how one perceives the world.
During the creation of Vida, how did you overcome creative challenges and what did you learn about yourself in the process?
I have learned how not to be so hard on myself. I dare say that many artists I have met from different musical genres or different areas, one works with emotions. It’s not a linear thing, it’s not numerical, it’s from emotion, from that swaying, from things that happen; some beautiful and others more complex that have to do with exposure, expectations, both personal and external…and pressure. I am also grateful to a lot of people I don’t know in person, but who make it possible for me to continue working. In that turmoil of emotions, one tries to surf the wave. I think it’s fun to take age, to grow old or to observe how one goes as the years go by. Approaching the work with these learnings, at the point of achievements but also of mistakes.
The album has notable and very diverse collaborations, with Talib Kweli, Plug 1 of De La Soul, iLe, Pablo Chill-E, among others. How do you choose your collaborations?
The collaborations came very naturally. Each one is a universe, each artist is a planet. You go through how you learn through each person you collaborate with. I think that the songs commanded and shouted those specific people, and I love that because they are all very different. It’s nice to be able to discover those planets and to invite them into mine and dialogue.
The production is a mix of hip-hop, jazz and Latin American rhythms, how are these diverse influences fused into a cohesive expression?
Andrés Celis has been in charge of the production, with whom we have made the two previous albums. Andrés comes from the world of jazz, but he is also very curious. He is very open to the richness of the multiplicity of sonorities that exist around the world. I think he translates very well these questions, this desire to explore in the songs.
As a leading figure in the Spanish-language rap scene and a pioneer since Makiza, how do you see the evolution of the genre from your point of view?
It’s nice because now I see a lot of women from different parts, many from Chile, with whom I have a super good vibe or I am very admiring. It gives me a kind of healthy envy to say, “¡Pucha! Why wasn’t I born later?” I would have had more sisters and colleagues, ¿cachai? Yes, there were in my time, but we were few. Now I see a diversity and multiplicity, crossing Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil, in so many other countries. There is a new crop of incredible artists that come with a momentum, with a grit and a hunger. Also to be able to share their flow, their experiences, their sorrows, their joys, and their questions as a woman. I see that there is a lot of richness now. There is a volcano of things that are happening from a new generation that is very eager to express itself, and that is always very healthy. In the end it shows a very vital Latin America, with many very vital women.
In Chile I’m a big fan of Irina Doom, La Mística, La Flor del Rap, 22RUZZ. There’s a girl from the Dominican Republic who is amazing at rapping, and a couple of Mexican girls that I love. They are very precise when it comes to rhyming, flow and meter. There is a girl from the Dominican Republic who is amazing at rapping, and a couple of Mexican girls that I love. They are very precise when it comes to rhyming, flow and meter. Aside from the tone of a woman’s voice, it’s very different from a man’s voice. The fact that it has higher tones allows an exploration in other tonalities that I say, “Wow, that’s cool!” I think the most beautiful thing is that there are no pioneers here, there is an existing fabric and we build together. It’s not false humility; the world of hip-hop and rap is a community. Therein lies its strength and its construction on its axis, and that makes all the beauty of this genre.
In December 2023, Juanes unleashed a track called “Nacimos Solos” (We Were Born Alone) that perfectly laced his signature rock sound with a heavy Western-influenced melody. It was the first cut from the upcoming Zorro series, premiering on Prime Video this Friday (Jan. 19) in the U.S. and Latin America, and on Jan. 25 in Spain.
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A second track called “Si Me Llevas Contigo” (If You Take Me With You) was released last week, joining the powerful forces of Carin Leon, Keith Urban and Rosario Flores.
Both songs, as well as the full original soundtrack, were helmed by Grammy-winning producer Julio Reyes Copello.
“This is what I really love. I love film scoring,” he tells Billboard. “I have done quite a few movies and series. In fact, I started my career doing music for television in Colombia and now I feel like it’s a good time to return to that. I have prepared my entire life to have versatility and make relevant pop songs but also film scoring. I think an interesting time is coming for me to continue doing these types of projects.”
Released exclusively by Universal Music Latino, the soundtrack was also worked hand-in-hand with the label’s president Angel Kaminsky.
“Although in recent years, UML has been involved in important sync licensing such as J Balvin with ‘Agua’ for SpongeBob Squarepants, Fast & Furious series, as well as Karol G with Puss in Boots, this is the first time Universal Music Latin works on an original project this comprehensive with such a wide array of talent crossing genres, languages and impacting cultural norms on such a large scale,” he notes.
Below, Copello and Kaminsky share with Billboard more about bringing the Zorro soundtrack to life.
How did this opportunity—to produce the “Zorro” soundtrack and release it under UML—happen?
Copello: I was contacted by Secuoya, the Spanish production company that made “Casa de Papel,” they had been working on this project for a while. One of its promoters, Sergio Pizzolante, who is the producer of Secuoya in America, had been talking about this project for some time, and when he finally got the green light and they began filming, he called me.
We began to do what we really dreamed of, to make a soundtrack for this story that would really honor the story of Zorro, which is the only one that unites three cultures: Mexican, Spanish, and American. It’s a perfect setting and the timing couldn’t be better with everything that’s happening in [Latin] music. I think it has been a very special situation.
Kaminsky: When Julio showed me what he was working on, I caught wind of what he was doing I knew exactly where he was going with the fusions of Anglo, Mexican and Spanish sounds. Julio mentioned to me that an old friend of mine of over 20 years and a passionate music lover, Sergio Pizzolante – President of Secuoya, was the brains behind this whole thing and it made me even more motivated to make this happen.
How did you seek inspiration to bring the soundtrack to life?
Copello: I am from the generation that saw the first “Zorro,” so it is a story that has accompanied me for many years. There’s a part that has always seemed exciting to me and that is that it’s a story of bravery. I wanted to take advantage of that to make a soundtrack that condemns that energy of not even being afraid of death. That’s the DNA, when life confronts one with survival and adversity, one has the ability to bend and be very strong. So, I tried to capture that passion in everything.
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Did you produce original songs for the soundtrack?
Copello: All songs are originals. We did a spectacular song camp with new composers very close to my home [recording studio], Art House. We actually dedicated an entire weekend talking about all the stories and characters from the series, and that’s why so much magic came out.
What else can you share about the album’s creative process?
Copello: We have been working on this since March 7, 2023, which was when we recorded the very first track with Carin Leon, Rosario and Keith Urban (“Si Me Llevas Contigo”). The vocal recordings were very complicated because all the artists had to coincide. For example, Morat recorded in Paraguay. Carin had to record from a distance in Mexico. Keith Urban in Nashville. Rosario in Spain. But the core of the instruments was recorded in Miami.
I started with a guitar riff, then I wanted to combine it with sounds from Spain, so I hired a flamenco dancer and we put her in the studio with a tablado (wooden platform). All the percussion heard underneath is a flamenco dancer. Then we recorded guiros, electric guitars, and well, the three [musical] cultures are super marked.
Then we wrote lyrics with Joaquina, and with my engineer named Natalia Schlesinger. We shaped it, we experimented, and it ended up being a multifaceted collaboration.
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The soundtrack features renowned artists, such as Juanes but also emerging acts, such as Joaquina. How did you go about selecting the talent?
Kaminsky: I had the pleasure to work alongside el maestro Julio Reyes Copello and had the crazy idea such as bringing together three icons from completely different worlds such as Carin Leon, Keith Urban and Rosario Flores and bring GRAMMY winning acts including Juanes, Luis Fonsi, Morat, Joaquina and Adriel Favela.
Copello: That was a titanic task because it is difficult for these types of releases not to coincide with the artists’ personal releases but it was possible thanks to the Universal team and Angel Kaminsky who has been fundamental in this and helped me recruit talent. We had a dream list [of artists] and we managed to conquer at least 90 percent of the [wish] list we had.
What do you think this project represents to the talents involved?
Copello: We all adopted this project, not only the creative part, but I feel it’s a very good way to release music nowadays because it’ll have a permanent feedback. The music is going to attract viewers and the viewers are going to listen to the track. And since this is going to live on visual platforms, then it’ll be an eternal feedback. Let’s hope it brings the results that other successful series soundtracks like “Stranger Things” have had. That’s what we all hope with this project, that it becomes something big and very important.
Kaminsky: From a Latin cultural landscape as purveyors of entertainment, to be able to work with a legacy household name that transcends generations in Latin culture such as Zorro to be able to bring artists to do the soundtrack is a fulfilling experience that we are very proud of.
Music executives Ángel del Villar and Javier “El Tamarindo” González have joined forces to launch a new distribution company, DSTRO7. Del Villar’s indie label, DEL Records, will be exclusively distributed by DSTRO7, as will González’s Tamarindo Rekordsz, which he founded in 2012. According to a press release, the company will focus on music streaming, monetization, […]
You know what they say: New year, new music — and Billboard is gearing up for all the Latin albums dropping in 2024. Last year, Latin powerhouses Karol G and Bad Bunny dropped new albums. The Colombian sensation released Mañana Será Bonito in February and its Bichota Season spin-off in August. The former, home to […]
Marc Anthony and Sam Nazarian, founder/CEO of lifestyle and hospitality company SBE Entertainment Group, announced a “landmark alliance” on Wednesday (Jan. 17) that marks the first hospitality venture for the salsa superstar and his entertainment company, Magnus.
Through the deal, Anthony and Magnus are now equity partners in all of SBE’s existing properties, which include culinary brands, restaurants, lounges and nightclubs. According to a press release, SBE’s new multi-vertical business strategy will focus on growing the brand among Latin American audiences.
Additionally, new properties will also be launched in the hospitality space and additional brands will be created together. The alliance also opens new opportunities for Magnus’ roster (record label, management and booking), which includes Luis Figueroa, Mau y Ricky, Fonseca and Gente de Zona.
Aside from his decades-long music career, Anthony is a multi-hyphenate businessman who launched Magnus in 2015 to represent both Latin artists and athletes in the United States. In 2009, he became a minority owner of the Miami Dolphins, and last December, launched the electric powerboating team, E1 Team Miami. In 2012, his work in philanthropy led him to launch the Maestro Cares Foundation, which has built orphanages in various countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
“It would be an understatement to say that this announcement today is one of the greatest highlights of all of the endeavors I’ve taken on in my life,” Anthony said in a statement. “To have the honor to join forces with my great friend Sam and SBE, is something we have spoken about throughout the years and the time has finally come. My team, alongside the unparalleled expertise of SBE, is poised to contribute significantly to the success of this new journey. With a shared commitment to excellence and a track record of unparalleled vision and execution, we are excited to bring our best-in-class capabilities to elevate SBE’s projects to new heights. Together, we look forward to unveiling a series of remarkable initiatives that showcase the synergy and excellence synonymous with the SBE family.”
“It’s an honor to join forces with long-time friend and international superstar Marc Anthony. I have a tremendous amount of admiration for the career that he has built, and, more importantly, his entrepreneurial instinct,” added Nazarian, who founded SBE in 2002. “It’s been an aspiration of ours to come together to build something special, and I am excited to share all the amazing things we are working on with him as our strategic partner. My sbe team is honored to collaborate with the best-in-class entrepreneurial team Marc has built at Magnus, led by a dynamic team, CEO Michel Vega and COO Felipe Pimiento, to connect with and deliver experiences to an audience that Marc has so carefully cultivated throughout his career. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what we build together.”